Smith Joins Philpott Wednesday

CLEMSON – Head women’s basketball coach Audra Smith joined Roy Philpott on the flagship station of Clemson Athletics, WCCP 105.5 FM on Wednesday to talk about a bevy of topics, led by the substantial rules changes. 

The women’s game has changed its format for the 2015-16 season. Among the key new rules are:

• Teams will play four 10-minute quarters instead of two 20-minute halves
• The double bonus will come into effect on the fifth foul of each quarter; Fouls reset at the beginning of each quarter
• Starting at 59.9 seconds left in the fourth quarter and overtime, teams can advance the ball on a timeout
• Teams may play music or the band may play during any dead ball

“I think that all of these changes will help the flow and entertainment of the women’s game,” Smith said. “Advancing the ball will make the game more exciting and the fouls resetting should help the scoring. The move to four quarters should help the newcomers adjust as they play four 8-minute quarters in high school, and pros play quarters. I’m really looking forward to the strategy change.”

The Tigers open the 2015-16 season in a cozy Jervey Gym atmosphere as Littlejohn Coliseum undergoes a complete transformation (see progress). Smith expressed how excited she is about playing in there, citing the intimate atmosphere and the proximity of the stands to the court. Fans will be right on top of the action in the facility. 

While most of the returners have been on campus all summer, the newcomers join the squad in late June to begin classes. Clemson will have seven newcomers, as the roster will be comprised of no seniors, one junior, seven sophomores and seven freshmen.